• What is your area of research or scholarship? My research seeks to determine the role of the bacterium Staphylococcus aureus and its toxins in causing 40,000 cases of infective endocarditis each year in the U.S.
• In simple terms, why does this research matter? Infective endocarditis has a 40-50% mortality rate. Understanding the mechanisms that lead to Staphylococcus aureus-caused infective endocarditis will allow us to develop new and improved treatments.
• What is your degree program and expected graduate date? Ph.D. in Microbiology, expected graduation date spring 2020
• Hometown: Sioux City, Iowa
• Faculty mentor/advisor: Dr. Wilmara Salgado-Pabón
• What are your career goals? To become a Clinical Microbiologist that manages clinical labs and research.

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